Choosing The Right Needle

Handy tips for choosing the right needle-

The higher the number, the heavier the fabric.

The dual number is to indicate metric and imperial sizing (e.g. 90/14)

Needle, Thread, and Fabric combination will affect the end result (e.g. type* of thread, with chosen needle and [weave] of fabric)

HAx1 is another name for the Universal Needle, for most domestic sewing machines.

Universal- For woven fabrics, needle has a slightly rounded point.

Jersey/Ballpoint - For knit fabrics, needle has a ball point to displace loops and prevent fabric damage (also prevents skipped stitches).

Stretch- For highly stretch fabrics such as lycra, needle has a medium ball point as well as a specially shaped transition from the needle scarf to the needle eye.

Jeans/Denim- For densely woven fabrics, thick or strong fabrics.  Needle has a re-inforced blade and slightly rounded tip.

Microtex- For thin densely woven fabric, needle has an acute round point and re-inforced blade.

Leather-- For leather and paper. Needle has a cutting point (also known as chisel point).

Quilting- For quilting and use of cotton fabrics. Needle has a slightly rounded point with special taper

*type of thread- poor quality thread can be inconsistent in thickness, appear 'fluffy and dry', affect the actual threading of needle. Other types of thread can be density (i.e topstiching thread is thicker, metallic thread is, well.. metallic-y).